[the time comes for them to part. kaede is lost again. this man can offer food, but by his scent he is unattached and she is in dire need of more. her time traipsing after skilled wolves must end. and yet, she is reluctant. both to leave and to expose yotsuba to any potential danger — not after all he has been through. she does not know what to do; kaede hangs her head and draws a breath. a small paw covers one hare. she takes the other. he may leave. he may walk away. she will not insist on one action or another.]

the time comes for them to part.

kaede is lost again. this man can offer food, but by his scent he is unattached and she is in dire need of more.

her time traipsing after skilled wolves must end.

and yet, she is reluctant. both to leave and to expose yotsuba to any potential danger — not after all he has been through.

she does not know what to do; kaede hangs her head and draws a breath.

a small paw covers one hare. she takes the other.

he may leave. he may walk away. she will not insist on one action or another.